The Government has published guidance for employers and workers on rights and responsibilities related to employees who may not be able to go into work because they are self-isolating or they’re clinically extremely vulnerable.
The guidance consolidates and sets out the legal position in these circumstances and reminds employers that it is an offence for an employer to knowingly allow a person who is required to self-isolate to work anywhere other than where they are self-isolating. Similarly, it is an offence for an employee not to inform their employer if they’ve:
- tested positive
- been contacted by NHS Test and Trace or their local authority
- returned from abroad and are required to quarantine
The guidance also includes sections on:
- Statutory Sick Pay
- Paid and unpaid leave
- Dismissal
- Redundancy when someone is clinically extremely vulnerable
- The application of the Equality Act
- Returning safely to the workplace
Note: When the tougher lockdown restrictions were introduced in England (5 January 2021), Government confirmed that those who are clinically extremely vulnerable should not attend work and limit the time spent outside of their home.